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AbbVie Receives Positive CHMP Opinion for Upadacitinib (RINVOQ®) for the Treatment of Adults with Giant Cell Arteritis

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AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) received a positive CHMP opinion recommending approval of upadacitinib (RINVOQ®) for treating adult patients with Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). The recommendation is based on the Phase 3 SELECT-GCA trial results, which demonstrated efficacy in achieving sustained remission and other key endpoints.

If approved by the European Commission in the first half of 2025, RINVOQ would become the first and only oral advanced therapy for adults with GCA. The trial evaluated upadacitinib (15 mg, once daily) in adults aged 50 and older, comparing 7.5 mg or 15 mg doses combined with a 26-week corticosteroid taper regimen against placebo with a 52-week taper.

The safety profile during the 52-week, placebo-controlled period aligned with observations from other approved indications. RINVOQ is currently approved in the EU for multiple conditions including radiographic axial spondylarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's disease, though not yet for GCA.

AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) ha ricevuto un parere positivo dal CHMP che raccomanda l'approvazione di upadacitinib (RINVOQ®) per il trattamento di pazienti adulti con Arterite a Cellule Giganti (GCA). La raccomandazione si basa sui risultati dello studio di Fase 3 SELECT-GCA, che ha dimostrato l'efficacia nel raggiungere una remissione sostenuta e altri obiettivi chiave.

Se approvato dalla Commissione Europea nella prima metà del 2025, RINVOQ diventerebbe la prima e unica terapia avanzata orale per adulti con GCA. Lo studio ha valutato upadacitinib (15 mg, una volta al giorno) in adulti di età pari o superiore a 50 anni, confrontando dosi di 7,5 mg o 15 mg combinate con un regime di riduzione dei corticosteroidi di 26 settimane rispetto al placebo con una riduzione di 52 settimane.

Il profilo di sicurezza durante il periodo controllato con placebo di 52 settimane è stato in linea con le osservazioni di altre indicazioni approvate. RINVOQ è attualmente approvato nell'UE per diverse condizioni, tra cui spondiloartrite assiale radiografica, artrite psoriasica e malattia di Crohn, anche se non ancora per GCA.

AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) recibió una opinión positiva del CHMP recomendando la aprobación de upadacitinib (RINVOQ®) para el tratamiento de pacientes adultos con Arteritis de Células Gigantes (GCA). La recomendación se basa en los resultados del ensayo de Fase 3 SELECT-GCA, que demostró eficacia en la consecución de una remisión sostenida y otros puntos finales clave.

Si es aprobado por la Comisión Europea en la primera mitad de 2025, RINVOQ se convertiría en la primera y única terapia avanzada oral para adultos con GCA. El ensayo evaluó upadacitinib (15 mg, una vez al día) en adultos de 50 años o más, comparando dosis de 7,5 mg o 15 mg combinadas con un régimen de reducción de corticosteroides de 26 semanas frente a placebo con una reducción de 52 semanas.

El perfil de seguridad durante el período controlado con placebo de 52 semanas se alineó con las observaciones de otras indicaciones aprobadas. RINVOQ está actualmente aprobado en la UE para múltiples condiciones, incluyendo espondiloartritis axial radiográfica, artritis psoriásica y enfermedad de Crohn, aunque aún no para GCA.

AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV)는 성인 거대세포동맥염(GCA) 환자 치료를 위한 upadacitinib (RINVOQ®)의 승인을 권장하는 긍정적인 CHMP 의견을 받았습니다. 이 권장은 지속적인 관해와 기타 주요 목표 달성에서의 효능을 입증한 3상 SELECT-GCA 시험 결과를 기반으로 합니다.

2025년 상반기에 유럽연합 집행위원회에서 승인될 경우, RINVOQ는 GCA 환자를 위한 첫 번째이자 유일한 경구 고급 치료제가 될 것입니다. 이 시험은 50세 이상의 성인에서 upadacitinib (15mg, 하루 1회)를 평가하며, 7.5mg 또는 15mg 용량을 26주 동안의 코르티코스테로이드 감량 요법과 비교하여 52주 동안의 위약과 비교했습니다.

52주 동안의 위약 대조 기간 동안의 안전성 프로필은 다른 승인된 적응증에서의 관찰과 일치했습니다. RINVOQ는 현재 방사선학적 축성 척추관절염, 건선 관절염 및 크론병을 포함한 여러 조건에 대해 EU에서 승인되었지만, GCA에 대해서는 아직 승인되지 않았습니다.

AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) a reçu un avis positif du CHMP recommandant l'approbation de upadacitinib (RINVOQ®) pour le traitement des patients adultes atteints d'Arthrite à Cellules Géantes (GCA). Cette recommandation est basée sur les résultats de l'essai de Phase 3 SELECT-GCA, qui a démontré l'efficacité dans l'atteinte d'une rémission soutenue et d'autres objectifs clés.

Si approuvé par la Commission Européenne dans la première moitié de 2025, RINVOQ deviendrait la première et unique thérapie avancée orale pour les adultes atteints de GCA. L'essai a évalué upadacitinib (15 mg, une fois par jour) chez des adultes de 50 ans et plus, comparant des doses de 7,5 mg ou 15 mg combinées avec un schéma de réduction des corticostéroïdes de 26 semaines par rapport au placebo avec une réduction de 52 semaines.

Le profil de sécurité pendant la période contrôlée par placebo de 52 semaines était conforme aux observations d'autres indications approuvées. RINVOQ est actuellement approuvé dans l'UE pour plusieurs conditions, y compris la spondylarthrite axiale radiographique, l'arthrite psoriasique et la maladie de Crohn, mais pas encore pour la GCA.

AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) erhielt eine positive Stellungnahme des CHMP, die die Genehmigung von upadacitinib (RINVOQ®) zur Behandlung von erwachsenen Patienten mit Riesenzellarteriitis (GCA) empfiehlt. Die Empfehlung basiert auf den Ergebnissen der Phase-3-Studie SELECT-GCA, die die Wirksamkeit bei der Erreichung einer anhaltenden Remission und anderer wichtiger Endpunkte zeigte.

Wird RINVOQ in der ersten Hälfte des Jahres 2025 von der Europäischen Kommission genehmigt, wäre es die erste und einzige orale fortgeschrittene Therapie für Erwachsene mit GCA. In der Studie wurde upadacitinib (15 mg, einmal täglich) bei Erwachsenen ab 50 Jahren untersucht, wobei 7,5 mg oder 15 mg Dosen in Kombination mit einem 26-wöchigen Corticosteroid-Reduktionsschema mit Placebo und einer 52-wöchigen Reduktion verglichen wurden.

Das Sicherheitsprofil während des 52-wöchigen, placebokontrollierten Zeitraums entsprach den Beobachtungen anderer genehmigter Indikationen. RINVOQ ist derzeit in der EU für mehrere Erkrankungen zugelassen, darunter radiografische axiale Spondyloarthritis, psoriatische Arthritis und Morbus Crohn, jedoch noch nicht für GCA.

Positive
  • Positive CHMP opinion received for RINVOQ in GCA treatment
  • First-in-class potential as only oral advanced therapy for GCA
  • Met primary and key secondary endpoints in Phase 3 trial
  • Safety profile consistent with other approved indications
Negative
  • Final EU approval still pending
  • to adult patients aged 50 and older

Insights

AbbVie's positive CHMP opinion for RINVOQ in Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) represents a strategic expansion of this JAK inhibitor into a specialized but clinically important indication. If approved by the European Commission, this would be the eighth indication for RINVOQ in Europe, further cementing the drug's role as a cornerstone of AbbVie's post-Humira growth strategy.

The GCA market currently has treatment options, with patients primarily relying on corticosteroids which carry significant side-effect burdens when used long-term, especially in the elderly population typically affected by GCA. Tocilizumab, an injectable therapy, is currently the only approved biologic for this condition. RINVOQ would enter as the first oral advanced therapy in this space, providing a significant competitive advantage.

This regulatory milestone continues AbbVie's methodical approach of expanding RINVOQ across multiple immunological conditions where JAK inhibition has demonstrated efficacy. With each new indication, AbbVie strengthens the commercial potential of their immunology franchise while offsetting revenue pressure from biosimilar competition to Humira.

The 15mg once-daily oral dosing for GCA aligns with several other RINVOQ indications, creating operational and manufacturing efficiencies while simplifying prescribing patterns for physicians who manage multiple inflammatory conditions. The consistent safety profile observed across indications also reinforces the risk-benefit proposition for prescribers already familiar with the medication.

The CHMP positive opinion for upadacitinib in GCA addresses a significant unmet need in the management of this potentially devastating condition. GCA inflammation of cranial arteries can lead to irreversible blindness, stroke, and aortic aneurysm when inadequately treated, making effective therapy crucial.

The Phase 3 SELECT-GCA trial results are particularly noteworthy for demonstrating both sustained remission and steroid-sparing effects. The ability to reduce corticosteroid exposure is especially valuable in GCA, as the typical patient population (adults over 50, often in their 70s-80s) is particularly vulnerable to steroid-related complications including osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, and increased infection risk.

Current treatment relies heavily on high-dose corticosteroids, often for extended periods, with tocilizumab as the only approved targeted therapy. An oral JAK inhibitor option provides an important alternative treatment pathway that operates through a different mechanism. The convenience of oral administration versus injections could also improve treatment adherence in elderly patients.

The study design, which assessed efficacy over a full 52-week period with a protocol-defined steroid taper, provides clinicians with robust evidence for long-term disease control. Particularly important was the demonstration of complete remission with normalization of inflammatory markers (ESR and CRP), as these objective measures add confidence in real-world disease suppression beyond symptom control alone.

  • The positive opinion is based on results from the pivotal Phase 3 SELECT-GCA trial that evaluated the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib in adults with giant cell arteritis (GCA)1
  • The primary endpoint of sustained remission* and key secondary endpoints, including reduction in disease flares, lower cumulative steroid exposure, and complete remission, were met1  
  • GCA is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the large and medium cranial arteries, resulting in potentially debilitating symptoms2

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., Feb. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) today announced that the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted a positive opinion recommending the approval of upadacitinib (RINVOQ®; 15 mg, once daily) for the treatment of adult patients with GCA. The final European Commission decision is expected in the first half of 2025. If approved, upadacitinib would be the first and only oral advanced therapy for adults living with GCA. 

"Giant cell arteritis is an inflammatory disease that, if left untreated, can lead to severe outcomes like blindness, stroke or aortic aneurysm,"2 said Prof. Dr. med. Wolfgang Schmidt, M.D., MACR, Waldfriede Hospital, Department of Rheumatology, Berlin, Germany, and SELECT-GCA trial investigator. "This positive opinion recognizes the unmet need for adults living with giant cell arteritis, and I look forward to the European Commission's final decision."

The CHMP positive opinion is supported by data from the pivotal Phase 3 SELECT-GCA clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib in adults 50 years and older with GCA.1 In the first study period, patients were randomized to receive upadacitinib 7.5 mg or 15 mg in combination with a 26-week corticosteroid taper regimen or placebo in combination with a 52-week corticosteroid taper regimen.1 

During the 52-week, placebo-controlled period, the safety profile of upadacitinib was generally consistent with that observed in other approved indications.1

"The CHMP's positive opinion for upadacitinib for adults living with giant cell arteritis is an important step toward our goal of improving outcomes for patients suffering with this disease," said Kori Wallace, M.D., Ph.D., vice president, global head of immunology clinical development, AbbVie. "We are committed to advancing the standards of care for immune-mediated diseases and addressing unmet patient needs, today and in the future." 

RINVOQ is approved in the European Union (EU) for the treatment of adults with radiographic axial spondylarthritis, nonradiographic axial spondylarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and adults and adolescents with atopic dermatitis.3 Use of upadacitinib in GCA is not currently approved in the EU.

*Sustained remission is defined as having an absence of GCA signs and symptoms from week 12 through week 52 and adherence to the protocol-defined steroid taper over the course of the study term.1
Sustained complete remission is defined as having an absence of GCA signs and symptoms from week 12 through week 52, adherence to the protocol-defined steroid taper, and normalization of both erythrocyte sedimentation rate and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein from week 12 through week 52.1

About Giant Cell Arteritis
Giant cell arteritis (GCA), also known as temporal arteritis, is an autoimmune disease of medium and large arteries, characterized by granulomatous inflammation of the three-layered vessel wall, which affects temporal and other cranial arteries as well as the aorta and other large arteries.2,4 GCA can cause headache, jaw pain, and changes in or loss of vision, including sudden and permanent loss of vision.2 It is the most common vasculitis affecting adults in western countries.2 White women over the age of 50 – most commonly between the ages of 70 and 80 years – have the highest risk of developing giant cell arteritis. Although women are more likely than men to develop GCA, research suggests that men are more likely to have ocular manifestations with their disease.5

About SELECT-GCA
SELECT-GCA (M16-852) is a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of upadacitinib in 428 patients with GCA. The study consists of two periods. The first period, which is reported in this release, evaluated the efficacy of upadacitinib in combination with a 26-week corticosteroid taper regimen compared to placebo in combination with a 52-week corticosteroid taper regimen. In addition, the study assessed the safety and tolerability of upadacitinib in these patients. The second period will evaluate the safety and efficacy of continuing versus withdrawing upadacitinib in maintaining remission in participants who achieved sustained remission in the first period.6 

Top-line results of the study were shared in April 2024. For more information regarding this study, please visit ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier NCT03725202).

About Upadacitinib (RINVOQ®)
Discovered and developed by AbbVie scientists, RINVOQ is a selective and reversible JAK inhibitor that is being studied in several immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.3,7 In human cellular assays, RINVOQ preferentially inhibits signaling by JAK1 or JAK 1/3 with functional selectivity over cytokine receptors that signal via pairs of JAK2.3 Upadacitinib (RINVOQ) is being studied in Phase 3 clinical trials for alopecia areata, giant cell arteritis, hidradenitis suppurativa, Takayasu arteritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and vitiligo.8-13

EU Indications and Important Safety Information about RINVOQ® (upadacitinib)3
Indications

Rheumatoid arthritis
RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adult patients who have responded inadequately to, or who are intolerant to one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). RINVOQ may be used as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate.

Psoriatic arthritis
RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adult patients who have responded inadequately to, or who are intolerant to one or more DMARDs. RINVOQ may be used as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate.

Axial spondyloarthritis
Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA)
RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in adult patients with objective signs of inflammation as indicated by elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), who have responded inadequately to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS, radiographic axial spondyloarthritis)
RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of active ankylosing spondylitis in adult patients who have responded inadequately to conventional therapy.

Atopic dermatitis
RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults and adolescents 12 years and older who are candidates for systemic therapy.

Ulcerative colitis
RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) who have had an inadequate response, lost response or were intolerant to either conventional therapy or a biologic agent.

Crohn's disease
RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease who have had an inadequate response, lost response or were intolerant to either conventional therapy or a biologic agent.

Important Safety Information

Contraindications
RINVOQ is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to the active substance or to any of the excipients, in patients with active tuberculosis (TB) or active serious infections, in patients with severe hepatic impairment, and during pregnancy.

Special warnings and precautions for use
RINVOQ should only be used if no suitable treatment alternatives are available in patients:

  • 65 years of age and older;
  • patients with history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease or other CV risk factors (such as current or past long-time smokers);
  • patients with malignancy risk factors (e.g. current malignancy or history of malignancy)

Use in patients 65 years of age and older
Considering the increased risk of MACE, malignancies, serious infections, and all-cause mortality in patients ≥65 years of age, as observed in a large randomised study of tofacitinib (another JAK inhibitor), RINVOQ should only be used in these patients if no suitable treatment alternatives are available. In patients ≥65 years of age, there is an increased risk of adverse reactions with RINVOQ 30 mg once daily. Consequently, the recommended dose for long-term use in this patient population is 15 mg once daily.

Immunosuppressive medicinal products
Use in combination with other potent immunosuppressants is not recommended.

Serious infections
Serious and sometimes fatal infections have been reported in patients receiving RINVOQ. The most frequent serious infections reported included pneumonia and cellulitis. Cases of bacterial meningitis and sepsis have been reported with RINVOQ. Among opportunistic infections, TB, multidermatomal herpes zoster, oral/esophageal candidiasis, and cryptococcosis have been reported. RINVOQ should not be initiated in patients with an active, serious infection, including localized infections. RINVOQ should be interrupted if a patient develops a serious or opportunistic infection until the infection is controlled. A higher rate of serious infections was observed with RINVOQ 30 mg compared to 15 mg. As there is a higher incidence of infections in the elderly and patients with diabetes in general, caution should be used when treating these populations. In patients ≥65 years of age, RINVOQ should only be used if no suitable treatment alternatives are available.

Tuberculosis
Patients should be screened for TB before starting RINVOQ. RINVOQ should not be given to patients with active TB. Anti-TB therapy may be appropriate for select patients in consultation with a physician with expertise in the treatment of TB. Patients should be monitored for the development of signs and symptoms of TB.

Viral reactivation
Viral reactivation, including cases of herpes zoster, was reported in clinical studies. The risk of herpes zoster appears to be higher in Japanese patients treated with RINVOQ. Consider interruption of RINVOQ if the patient develops herpes zoster until the episode resolves. Screening for viral hepatitis and monitoring for reactivation should occur before and during therapy. If hepatitis B virus DNA is detected, a liver specialist should be consulted.

Vaccination
The use of live, attenuated vaccines during or immediately prior to therapy is not recommended. It is recommended that patients be brought up to date with all immunizations, including prophylactic zoster vaccinations, prior to initiating RINVOQ, in agreement with current immunization guidelines.

Malignancy
Lymphoma and other malignancies have been reported in patients receiving JAK inhibitors, including RINVOQ. In a large randomised active controlled study of tofacitinib (another JAK inhibitor) in RA patients ≥50 years of age with ≥ 1 additional CV risk factor, a higher rate of malignancies, particularly lung cancer, lymphoma, and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), was observed with tofacitinib compared to tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. A higher rate of malignancies, including NMSC, was observed with RINVOQ 30 mg compared to 15 mg. Periodic skin examination is recommended for all patients, particularly those with risk factors for skin cancer. In patients ≥65 years of age, patients who are current or past long-time smokers, or patients with other malignancy risk factors (e.g., current malignancy or history of malignancy), RINVOQ should only be used if no suitable treatment alternatives are available.

Hematological abnormalities
Treatment should not be initiated, or should be temporarily interrupted, in patients with hematological abnormalities observed during routine patient management.

Gastrointestinal Perforations
Events of diverticulitis and gastrointestinal perforations have been reported in clinical trials and from post-marketing sources. RINVOQ should be used with caution in patients who may be at risk for gastrointestinal perforation (e.g., patients with diverticular disease, a history of diverticulitis, or who are taking nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or opioids. Patients with active Crohn's disease are at increased risk for developing intestinal perforation. Patients presenting with new onset abdominal signs and symptoms should be evaluated promptly for early identification of diverticulitis or gastrointestinal perforation.

Major adverse cardiovascular events
MACE were observed in clinical studies of RINVOQ. In a large randomised active-controlled study of tofacitinib (another JAK inhibitor) in RA patients ≥50 years of age with ≥1 additional CV risk factor, a higher rate of MACE, defined as CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and non-fatal stroke, was observed with tofacitinib compared to TNF inhibitors. Therefore, in patients ≥65 years of age, patients who are current or past long-time smokers, and patients with history of atherosclerotic CV disease or other CV risk factors, RINVOQ should only be used if no suitable treatment alternatives are available.

Lipids
RINVOQ treatment was associated with dose-dependent increases in lipid parameters, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Hepatic transaminase elevations
Treatment with RINVOQ was associated with an increased incidence of liver enzyme elevation. Hepatic transaminases must be evaluated at baseline and thereafter according to routine patient management. If alanine transaminase (ALT) or aspartate transaminase (AST) increases are observed and drug-induced liver injury is suspected, RINVOQ should be interrupted until this diagnosis is excluded.

Venous thromboembolism
Events of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) were observed in clinical trials for RINVOQ. In a large randomised active-controlled study of tofacitinib (another JAK inhibitor) in RA patients ≥50 years of age with ≥1 additional CV risk factor, a dose dependent higher rate of VTE including DVT and PE was observed with tofacitinib compared to TNF inhibitors. In patients with CV or malignancy risk factors, RINVOQ should only be used if no suitable treatment alternatives are available. In patients with known VTE risk factors other than CV or malignancy risk factors (e.g. previous VTE, patients undergoing major surgery, immobilisation, use of combined hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, and inherited coagulation disorder), RINVOQ should be used with caution. Patients should be re-evaluated periodically to assess for changes in VTE risk. Promptly evaluate patients with signs and symptoms of VTE and discontinue RINVOQ in patients with suspected VTE.

Hypersensitivity reactions
Serious hypersensitivity reactions such as anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported in patients receiving RINVOQ. If a clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue RINVOQ and institute appropriate therapy.

Hypoglycemia in patients treated for diabetes
There have been reports of hypoglycemia following initiation of JAK inhibitors, including RINVOQ, in patients receiving medication for diabetes. Dose adjustment of anti-diabetic medication may be necessary in the event that hypoglycemia occurs.

Medication Residue in Stool
Reports of medication residue in stool or ostomy output have occurred in patients taking upadacitinib. Most reports described anatomic (e.g., ileostomy, colostomy, intestinal resection) or functional gastrointestinal conditions with shortened gastrointestinal transit times. Patients should be instructed to contact their healthcare professional if medication residue is observed repeatedly. Patients should be clinically monitored, and alternative treatment should be considered if there is an inadequate therapeutic response.

Adverse reactions
The most commonly reported adverse reactions in RA, PsA, and axSpA clinical trials (≥2% of patients in at least one of the indications) with RINVOQ 15 mg were upper respiratory tract infections, blood creatine phosphokinase (CPK) increased, ALT increased, bronchitis, nausea, neutropenia, cough, AST increased, and hypercholesterolemia. Overall, the safety profile observed in patients with psoriatic arthritis or active axial spondyloarthritis treated with RINVOQ 15 mg was consistent with the safety profile observed in patients with RA.

The most commonly reported adverse reactions in AD trials (≥2% of patients) with RINVOQ 15 mg or 30 mg were upper respiratory tract infection, acne, herpes simplex, headache, blood CPK increased, cough, folliculitis, abdominal pain, nausea, neutropenia, pyrexia, and influenza. Dose dependent increased risks of infection and herpes zoster were observed with RINVOQ. The safety profile for RINVOQ 15 mg in adolescents was similar to that in adults. With long-term exposure, skin papilloma was reported in adolescents in the RINVOQ 15 mg and 30 mg groups.

The most commonly reported adverse reactions in the UC and CD trials (≥3% of patients) with RINVOQ 45 mg, 30 mg or 15 mg were upper respiratory tract infection, pyrexia, blood CPK increased, anemia, headache, acne, herpes zoster, neutropenia, rash, pneumonia, hypercholesterolemia, bronchitis, AST increased, fatigue, folliculitis, ALT increased, herpes simplex, and influenza. The overall safety profile observed in patients with UC was generally consistent with that observed in patients with RA. Overall, the safety profile observed in patients with CD treated with RINVOQ was consistent with the known safety profile for RINVOQ.

The most common serious adverse reactions were serious infections.

The safety profile of RINVOQ with long-term treatment was generally similar to the safety profile during the placebo-controlled period across indications.

This is not a complete summary of all safety information.

See RINVOQ full Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) at www.ema.europa.eu

Globally, prescribing information varies; refer to the individual country product label for complete information.

About AbbVie in Rheumatology

For more than 20 years, AbbVie has been dedicated to improving care for people living with rheumatic diseases. Anchored by a longstanding commitment to discovering and delivering transformative therapies, we pursue cutting-edge science that improves our understanding of promising new pathways and targets, ultimately helping more people living with rheumatic diseases reach their treatment goals. For more information, visit AbbVie in rheumatology.

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.

Forward-Looking Statements

Some statements in this news release are, or may be considered, forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project" and similar expressions and uses of future or conditional verbs, generally identify forward-looking statements. AbbVie cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, challenges to intellectual property, competition from other products, difficulties inherent in the research and development process, adverse litigation or government action, and changes to laws and regulations applicable to our industry. Additional information about the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect AbbVie's operations is set forth in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of AbbVie's 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as updated by its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. AbbVie undertakes no obligation, and specifically declines, to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments, except as required by law.

References

  1. Blockmans D, Penn SK, Setty A, et al. LBA0001 Efficacy and safety of upadacitinib in patients with giant cell arteritis (SELECT-GCA): a double-blind, randomized controlled phase 3 trial. Ann Rheum Dis. 2024;83(suppl 1):232-233. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2024-eular.LBA25
  2. Ameer MA, Peterfy RJ, Khazaeni B. Giant cell arteritis (temporal arteritis). Updated August 8, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459376/
  3. RINVOQ. Summary of Product Characteristics. Accessed January 24, 2025. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/rinvoq-epar-product-information_en.pdf
  4. Weyand CM, Goronzy JJ. Immunology of giant cell arteritis. Circ Res. 2023;132(2):238-250. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.122.322128
  5. Giant cell arteritis. Arthritis Foundation. Accessed January 9, 2025. https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/giant-cell-arteritis
  6. AbbVie. Data on file: ABVRRTI78418.
  7. Pipeline. AbbVie. 2023. Accessed January 9, 2025. https://www.abbvie.com/our-science/pipeline.html
  8. A study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of upadacitinib in participants with giant cell arteritis (SELECT-GCA). ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03725202. Accessed January 9, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03725202
  9. A study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib in participants with Takaysu arteritis (TAK) (SELECT-TAK). ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04161898. Accessed January 9, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04161898
  10. Program to assess adverse events and change in disease activity of oral upadacitinib in adult participants with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SELECT-SLE). ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05843643. Accessed January 9, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05843643
  11. A study to assess change in disease activity and adverse events of oral upadacitinib in adult and adolescent participants with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa who have failed anti-TNF therapy (Step-Up HS). ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05889182. Accessed January 9, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05889182
  12. A study to assess adverse events and effectiveness of upadacitinib oral tablets in adult and adolescent participants with vitiligo (Viti-Up). ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06118411. Accessed January 9, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06118411
  13. A study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of upadacitinib tablets in adult and adolescent participants with severe alopecia areata (UP-AA). ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06012240. Accessed January 9, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06012240

 

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SOURCE AbbVie

FAQ

What are the key results from AbbVie's SELECT-GCA trial for RINVOQ in giant cell arteritis?

The trial met its primary endpoint of sustained remission and key secondary endpoints, including reduced disease flares, lower steroid exposure, and complete remission.

When will the European Commission make the final decision on RINVOQ for GCA treatment?

The final European Commission decision on RINVOQ for GCA treatment is expected in the first half of 2025.

What dosage of RINVOQ is recommended in the CHMP opinion for GCA treatment?

The CHMP recommends RINVOQ 15 mg, once daily, for the treatment of adult patients with GCA.

What makes RINVOQ unique in the treatment of giant cell arteritis?

If approved, RINVOQ would be the first and only oral advanced therapy available for adults living with GCA.

What other conditions is RINVOQ currently approved for in the European Union?

RINVOQ is approved for treating radiographic axial spondylarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and atopic dermatitis.

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